CALGARY - While many teams were busy dipping their toes into the free-agent pool or simply diving in head first, the Calgary Stampeders were content playing the role of lifeguard.

They sat, patiently, perhaps ready to pounce if they saw a particular player splashing around in the shallow end — where the bargains reside — on the opening day of CFL free agency Tuesday.

As has been the status quo during GM/head coach John Hufnagel’s tenure, the Stampeders ended up sitting out the free-agent portion of Day 1, but they did tinker with the roster a little bit.

Only hours after dealing cornerback Chris Randle’s negotiating rights to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers late Monday night for a token draft-pick upgrade, GM/head coach John Hufnagel traded veteran defensive end Justin Phillips and a third-round pick, 23rd overall, in the 2014 CFL Draft to the Ottawa RedBlacks on Tuesday morning for a third-round pick, 19th overall, in ’14, as well as a third-round selection in ’15.